Double-action only GP100?

[cdbeaver]

I'm about ready to plop down some funds for a Ruger GP100, so I've been checking the auction sites for ballpark range prices. In one description the seller said his GP100 was double-action only.

Can that be right? I want a double-action piece that can also be fired single action. Can't find any information at Ruger's factory page site.

 

[jzimm9mm]

I saw a double action only GP-100 at a local store. They said it was a police trade-in. It was a spurless hammer, stainless, and a half shroud barrel. The trigger was lighter than the double action on my GP-100 (which is a single/double). So I guess they are out there. I think they wanted just over $300, but it was definitely showing some wear.

Jer..

 

[RWK]

I have seen many four inch barrel, stainless, spurless hammer, and a half shrouded GP-100s that are RCMP trade-ins. These are DAO revolvers, presumably to help ensure police safety (although I certainly do not agree with this approach). Given the quality, durability, reliability, and strength of GP-100s, I suspect these could be excellent, very affordable handguns -- if one wants a DAO revolver.

 

[George S.]

GP100's are DA/SA revolvers. You can simply pull the trigger or pull the hammer back to cock it. Because I have a Ruger Single Six that fires SA only, I catch myself cocking the hammer on my GP100 sometimes

My GP100 is the KGP161; stainless with a 6" barrel. With some patience and taking my time, I can easily get 2" groups at 15yds using either .38spl or .357 mag ammo. I only had to adjust windage 1 click right from out of the box to get those groups.

Very fun gun to shoot and worth all of the $379 I paid for it NIB. This thing is built like a tank and from what I have heard, it will handle some pretty hot loads.

 

[caz223]

No, you can't just pull the hammer back, there's nothing to pull back, and there's no notch to hold it, it will just drop back down, if you do manage to get the hammer back all the way (Unless, of course, somebody just kitchen-table dremelled the hammer spur off, and polished it to match.)

Here's a link to a pic, could you pull that hammer back?
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=5481699

 

[HSMITH]

Those are police trade in guns, and I believe the biggest part of them were imported from Canada. They are all over the place right now for $300 or so. They ARE DA ONLY. To make them the DA only the sear was simply removed. Add the sear and a hammer and bam, you have a standard configuration again. Some of the guns show quite a few miles and some are quite nice. Not a great price at all but not robbery either....

 

[4v50 Gary]

I was shown that to cock it (if it still had a single action notch on the hammer) you squeeze the trigger and then when enough of the top of the hammer is exposed your thumb grabs and pulls it back.

 

[cdbeaver]

Thanks so much for the good replies. I'll make certain that the one I buy will have DA/SA capabilities. I could never shoot double action alone. For that matter, I never was too good at single action, either.

 

[caz223]

4v50 Gary, on a true DAO pistol you could be doing something dangerous, if you staged the triggger, and pulled the hammer back, because 99% of the time there's just no notch to hold it, the hammer will fall, which isn't normally a problem, but if your finger is still on the trigger (Even just a little bit sometimes!), the gun thinks you're trying to fire it, and will act accordingly.
That's the same thing as fanning a SA revolver.
I'm sure that you knew what you were saying, but to someone who may not understand DAOs, trigger rules, and drop safetys there's potential risk for shooting oneself in the foot. Literally.
I'm not calling anyone in this thread a newbie, but this forum is public, so anyone can read it.
I stage the hammer like that as well on a couple of my snag-less type guns, but I know for a fact if the have the SA sear/notch or not.
Just looking out.

 

[Stainz]

I, too, saw one of those used bobbed-hammer/fixed sight SS GP-100's at a local store, as well as in the last CDNN flyer I received. They wanted $240 + $10 S/H + your ffl's charge - the store wanted ~$280. I checked Brownell's - the GP-100 listing does not include a hammer assembly. Comparing SS Bisley/Blackhawk hammers @ ~$30 and S&W 686 SS hammers @ ~$50, I would think the hammer could be replaced for <$60 inc S/H, if SA is really important. As the greatest attribute of a revolver for PD is it's DA operation, I would leave it as received. Now, if you want a plinker, then SA could be important... but so would be adjustable sights. I'll eventually get a KGP-141/151... my 6" 66 is fun with .38's; brutal with .357's.

Stainz

 

[campergeek]

cdbeaver, I think something like this is what you're talking about (except with stock grips):

It IS Double-Action only. Even if you get your thumb on top of the hammer and pull it back, it will not lock back. As former police issue, these often come with holsters and speedloaders. Although these are DAO, I understand from this thread that the switch to DA/SA can be done by replacing the hammer.